The 6 Cs of nursing

Uncover the core principles of nursing through the lens of the 6 Cs.

Adhering to the 6 Cs of nursing ensures that patients get the highest quality level of service from healthcare professionals. So, whether you’re new to these 6 fundamental values, or are looking for some example of them in practice, this guide has everything you need to know. 

An introduction to the 6 Cs of nursing

If you’re currently a practicing nurse playing a vital role in public health, you're likely well acquainted with the 6 Cs of nursing. However, if you are new to these principles, it's important to be aware of them and keep them at the forefront of your mind in your day-to-day role.  
 
Developed by the Department of Health in England during the 2010s, the 6 Cs of nursing are a set of fundamental values for all health and social care staff. Their primary aim is to ensure that patients receive compassionate and attentive care consistently.  
 
These 6 fundamentals were built on the values, pledges and rights set out in the NHS Constitution that patients, the public and staff should and would expect and were designed to support professionals and care staff to deliver excellent care. 

What are the 6 Cs of nursing?

Each of the ‘Cs’ carry equal weight and focus on putting patients and their needs at the heart of everything that nurses do. 

The definitions of the 6 Cs, as set out in the NHS Compassion in Practice document, are as follows:

• Care 
  Caring defines nurses and their work. The care nurses deliver helps the individual and improves the health of their whole community. This includes compassionate and empathetic care to patients; addressing their physical, emotional and psychological needs. 
   

• Compassion 
  Compassion is how the care is given, through relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity. Compassion is demonstrating kindness, understanding and empathy towards patients and their families. 
   

• Competence 
  All those in caring roles must have the ability to understand an individual’s health and social needs. Possessing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality nursing care is vital, including clinical skills, critical thinking and decision-making, based on research and evidence. 
   

• Communication 
  Positive communication is central to successful caring relationships; this includes good communication with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals to deliver the highest quality care. 
   

• Courage 
  Having the courage to advocate for patients, to speak up if there are any concerns, and to act ethically and responsibly, often in challenging situations. 
   

• Commitment 
  A commitment to patients and populations is a cornerstone of what nurses do. Showing dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility towards providing excellent nursing care and promoting the well-being of patients. 

Why are the 6 Cs of nursing important? 

Following the 6 Cs of nursing ensures that patients get the highest quality level of service from healthcare professionals. From professionalism and ethical practices, to communication with families and patients themselves, embracing these fundamental values supports nurses in delivering the best possible levels of healthcare for all. 

6 Cs of nursing examples  

To understand the 6 Cs of nursing in a little more depth, here are some examples of each of the ‘Cs’ in a healthcare professional’s working day.

• Care 
  Offering a cup of tea and soothing words to a distressed patient before a difficult procedure, or while being delivered unsettling news. 
   

• Compassion 
  Providing a listening ear and words of empathy to a grieving family member after the loss of a loved one. 
   

• Competence 
  Accurately assessing a patient's condition and individual needs, and monitoring their response to treatment. 
   

• Communication 
  Explaining a complex medical procedure to a patient, in easy to digest and fully understandable language.  
   

• Courage 
  Advocating for a patient's rights after noticing that their needs were not being adequately met, even in the face of opposing opinion from colleagues. 
   

• Commitment 
  Being pro-active in pursuing further education and training, to stay up to date with the latest advancements in nursing practice. 

The benefits of an MSc in Nursing 

An MSc in Nursing can help registered nurses reflect on their practice, drawing from prior experience and combining existing knowledge with new learning and fresh perspectives.  
 
Our online, part-time MSc in Nursing is designed to aid registered, qualified nurses from every area of the profession. We bring together nurses from all different backgrounds, specialisms and corners of the world.  
 
Through your time on the course, we’ll help you develop the specialist skills, knowledge, and inter-professional insights needed to drive your practice forward. The course is online and part-time, meaning you can fit your learning around other commitments, striking the perfect work/life balance.